Attendance
Important Contacts/links
College and Career
Testing
Miscellaneous
100
How are absences excused by Agora?
In order for an absence to be registered as excused, a parent or guardian must submit a written explanation or medical excuse to the “Attendance Office” by completing the attendance submission form through the Sapphire Community Web Portal within three (3) days of the absence.Complete the attendance submission form. In the event you are unable to submit your student’s excuse using the Sapphire Community Web Portal, you may fax an excuse to 484-588-0238. •How-to-Submit-an-Absentee-Form-2017-18SY(pdf file) •Video: Submitting an Excuse to Attendance(external link) •Video: Attendance Matters(external link) https://agora.org/pupil-parent-services/attendance/
100
What is the phone number for tech support?
Technical support: ☎Phone 855-412-3712
100
What is the SAT?
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT ) Created by the College Board, the SAT is an entrance exam used by most colleges and universities to make admissions decisions. There are two SAT sections: Math, Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, plus an optional Essay. Each section of the SAT is scored on a 200 to 800 point scale, making the “perfect” score 1600 (The Princeton Review(external link)).
100
What is the multiple choice assessment that will provide your teachers with data to help them best support you in your academic growth called?
Classroom Diagnostic Test (CDT) https://www.screencast.com/t/t4S85lVRkrr
100
Please name one of the core values that Agora Cyber Charter School is governed by?
Agora Cyber Charter School is governed by nine core values that are used to shape and define the culture and climate of the school. These values also guide behavior and decision-making. 1.) Empowerment 2.) Innovation 3.) Respect 4.) Integrity 5.) Compassion 6.) Responsibility 7.) Courage 8.) Teamwork 9.) Personalization
200
Name three consequences of too many absences.
Too many absences -excused or unexcused- can keep students from succeeding in school and in life. How many are too many? 10% of the school year -that’s 18 missed days or 2 days a month- can knock students off track. 1.)When students improve their attendance rates, they improve their academic prospects and chances for graduating. 2.)It may lead to a withdraw, dropping out, or being held back a grade level. 3.) Grades and competency may decrease
200
What are the hours of operation for tech support?
Mon. - Fri. 8:00 am - 11:59 pm EST Sat. and Sun. 12:00 noon - 8:00 pm EST
200
What does ACT stand for?
American College Testing.
200
How many times a year do you take the CDT exam?
High school students will complete the Literacy CDT assessment three times per year, when directed by their teacher. Additionally, high school students enrolled in Algebra I or Biology will complete the Mathematics and Science CDT assessments times per year, when directed by their teacher(s).
200
What is the school newspaper called?
The Agora Times is a school newspaper created by our high school students! Check out The Agora Times throughout the school year: http://theagoratimes.wixsite.com/home(external link)
300
Who do you contact when you need help with Sapphire?
If you need help with Sapphire, please send an email to: AgoraSystemsSupport@agora.org Please do NOT call the K12 Customer Care Support line for help with Sapphire.
300
Who do you contact for questions regarding the Internet Service Provider (ISP) Rebate Program?
All questions or concerns must be in writing in an email to isp@agora.org. You submit two bills a school year. Fall – One bill for any month from September through December 2017, due by Jan 5th 2018. Spring – One bill for any month from January through June 2018, due by June 5th 2018.
300
Name one difference between the ACT and SAT.
The SAT and ACT generally test the same types of content. Both ACT and SAT scores are used for college admissions and merit-based scholarships. The biggest differences between the tests are that the ACT has a Science Test, and there’s one SAT Math Section for which you cannot use a calculator. Most colleges don't prefer one test over the other
300
What is the PSAT/ NMSQT?
The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT)/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) is a standardized test co-sponsored by the College Board(external link) and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC)(external link). The test is offered to 11th graders in October as practice for the SAT. The PSAT results are used to help prepare students for college admission testing in their junior and senior years. The test also serves as the qualifying exam for National Merit scholarship opportunities. The PSAT/NMSQT measures critical reading skills, math problem-solving skills, and writing skills. Who should take the PSAT? Almost all students take the PSAT during their junior year, but many students take the PSAT when they are sophomores to get the feel of the test. However, it is only the scores from the PSAT taken in your junior year that are considered for the National Merit Scholarship competition. When is the test offered? The test is administered every year in October How do I register? Agora students must contact their local school district to sign up for the test. VIDEOS: •PSAT – A Brief Intro(external link) •Preparing for the PSAT(external link)
300
Who should take the Keystone exam?
Any 11th grader who has not yet taken the exams, students in any grade who are currently in a Keystone course, or students who previously took the exams but did not score Proficient or Advanced. The Keystone exam is one component of Pennsylvania’s new system of high school graduation requirements which will help schools guide students toward meeting state standards.
400
How many days does your Legal Guardian have to submit an absence excuse?
Within three (3) days of the absence.
400
Where do you access Peer Tutoring?
High School Math and Writing Peer Tutoring Every FRIDAY @ 12:00pm (noon) Where: tinyurl.com/Agora-NHS-tutoring(external link)
400
Who should you contact for Advanced Placement (AP)exams?
Your Guidance Counselor
400
What exam is offered at the end of course completion and is designed to assess proficiency in the subject areas of Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Literature, English Composition, Biology, Chemistry, U.S. History, World History, and Civics and Government?
The Keystone Exams are end-of-course assessments designed to assess proficiency in the subject areas of Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Literature, English Composition, Biology, Chemistry, U.S. History, World History, and Civics and Government.
400
Please name at least one person who serves in the administration at Agora Cyber Charter School.
Administration 1.) Dr. Conti-Dr. Michael Conti, CEO, comes to us with decades of educational leadership experience, including 17 years in cyber charter schooling. He is ready to contribute a wealth of knowledge and passion for cyber education to the Agora community, and has a clear vision for the future of our school as we continue to rebuild. Currently, Dr. Conti is a member of the Leaders Council for the Pennsylvania Coalition of Public Charter Schools, a group comprised of charter school leaders who work to ensure that PCPCS provides the best possible support for its members; he promotes networking and information-sharing; and advocates for legislation to promote effective, high-quality charter schools. 2.) Rich-Rich Jensen is the Chief Academic Officer for Agora. Rich has served previously as both High School Principal and Assistant Principal at Agora. He is passionate about a school culture centered on being the most effective and positive learning environment for all students. Rich always enjoys a nice hot cup of Dunkin’ Donuts coffee, and when not working, he enjoys reading, spending time with family, and sports. 3.) Laurie-Laurie Smith is the Director of Human Resources at Agora. With more than 20 years of experience in human resources in the technology, healthcare and manufacturing sectors, Laurie is committed to working with staff and employees to foster a culture of respect and promoting a positive work environment. In her free time, Laurie enjoys cooking and baking, reading, and spending time with family and friends. 4.) Karenann-Karenann Young is Agora’s Chief Operation Officer and has been with our school since 2010. She is passionate about students having all the tools necessary to fulfill their cyber education needs. In her free time, Karenann enjoys spending time with her family and their dogs.
500
Sometimes students are truant and sometimes students have chronic absences. What is the difference between truancy and chronic absences?
Truancy Counts only unexcused absences Emphasizes compliance with school rules Relies on legal and administrative solutions vs. Chronic Absence Counts all absences: excused, unexcused, and suspensions Emphasizes academic impact of missed days Uses community-based, positive strategies
500
Who should you contact for Agora's language translation service?
For more information or assistance, please contact Kate Camarda, our ESL Coordinator, through email at kcamarda@agora.org or by telephone at 610-263-0033. Our website can be translated into 90 different languages. In the upper left corner of the Home page, click SELECT LANGUAGE and almost all of our website content will be translated into your chosen language. Please note: videos and attachments will not be translated into another language.
500
Name one of the cheapest universities in Pennsylvania.
1) Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania 2) California University of Pennsylvania 3) Kutztown University of Pennsylvania 4) Lock Haven University 5) Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania 6) West Chester University of Pennsylvania All price data are reprinted from the U.S. Department of Education's 2016-2017 IPEDS Survey and reflect reported costs for the 2016-2017 academic year. *It is also important to consider other factors like location, transportation, commute etc...
500
What subjects does the Classroom Diagnostic Test assess you in?
High school students will complete the Literacy CDT assessment three times per year, when directed by their teacher. Additionally, high school students enrolled in Algebra I or Biology will complete the Mathematics and Science CDT assessments times per year, when directed by their teacher(s).
500
How many high school principals are there? Please name two of them.
1.) Jeffrey Miller High School Principal Email jmiller@agora.org Jeffrey Miller is Agora’s High School Principal. He has been with Agora since January of 2007. Prior to working at Agora, he was a science teacher in Baltimore for 8 years. Jeffrey enjoys spending time in the outdoors with his wife and three children. 2.)Frank Nagy High School Assistant Principal 12th Grade Email fnagy@agora.org Frank Nagy is a High School Assistant Principal, 12th grade. He has been with Agora since 2011. He strives to improve the quality of education and learning environment for every student. Frank enjoys coaching basketball, watching sports and spending time with his family. 3.) Heather McCormick High School Assistant Principal 11th Grade Email hmccormick@agora.org In her Assistant Principal role, Heather works with 11th grade students and oversee the social studies department. She has been employed with Agora since 2009 and was hired as a special education teacher and later served as an Academic Coach and then Assistant Director of Special Education. Heather is passionate about ensuring that students are given the opportunity to achieve their highest potential. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two boys, ages five and eight. 4.) Holly Allen High School Assistant Principal 10th Grade Email hallen@agora.org Holly is a High School Assistant Principal, 10th grade, and is one of Agora’s original staff members. In her 11 years here, Holly served as middle school and high school English teacher, lead teacher, and family coach coordinator. She now serves as 10th grade assistant principal and works with the high school English team. Holly’s passion is to help students enjoy learning as part of a vibrant life. In her free time, Holly enjoys reading, cooking, spending time with her husband, and traveling to visit their three sons. 5.)Erin Hilson High School Assistant Principal 9th Grade Email ehilson@agora.org Erin Hilson is a High School Assistant Principal, 9th grade. Erin has been with Agora since 2010 and has served as a Special Education Teacher, an Academic Coach, and an Assistant Director of Special Education. Erin believes that every child should have equal access to a quality education. In her free time Erin enjoys spending time with her husband and two boys, reading, swimming, and just about anything outdoors. 6.) Regan Shebeck High School Assistant Principal Operations Email rshebeck@agora.org Regan Shebeck is currently a High School Assistant Principal and works with school operations along with the Electives & Humanities teams. She has been with Agora since 2007 and has served as High School Biology Teacher, Academic Coach and High School Operations Coordinator. Regan enjoys spending time with her two daughters, husband and dog, reading and going to the beach.
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